Applying for Short Term Work Permit 

Any non-Bahamian national wishing to work in The Bahamas for up to 90 days must apply for a short term work permit / visa from the Department of Immigration. If the vacant position is for a period longer than this, you should apply for a long term work permit / visa.

Eligibility 

Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in the Bahamas for up to 90 days could apply for a short term work permit / visa

Process 

1. Complete appropriate application form

2. Prepare letter of request

3. Attach the completed application form to the letter of request and other supporting documents

4. Visit the Department of Immigration at any of the locations outlined below, submitting the documents and paying the fees

Application Form(s) 

- Short Term Application Form (1 to 30 days)

- First Schedule Form I (31 to 90 days)

On-line 

Both forms are also available at the offices of the Department of Immigration.  

Supporting Documents 

- A letter of request addressed to the Director of Immigration from the prospective employer stating reasons for the application, the position and the period of time required.

- A copy of the bio-data pages of the applicant's passport (passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months).

- 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side.

Turn-around time 

Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, the permits are either granted or denied within a 7 days.

Deadline 

Application must be submitted before the prospective employee arrives in The Bahamas.

Related Fee(s) 

There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00.  Please note that all fees are payable only by cash or certified / bank manager’s cheque made payable to the Treasury Department.

Applying for a Long Term Work Permit 

Non-Bahamian nationals who are desirous of working and living in The Bahamas for a period greater than 90 days, must first be authorized to do so by way of a valid work permit / visa issued by the Department of Immigration.  Persons wishing to work for up to 90 days must apply for a short term work permit / visa.  

Eligibility 

Any non-Bahamian who wishes to work in The Bahamas for a period that exceeds 90 days

Process 

1) Complete the application form.

2) Notarize completed form, affixing a BS$10.00 stamp.

3) Attach the completed and notarized form to the supporting documents and submit to the Department of Immigration.

4) Application Form(s) 

Application Form Section "A", also available at the department’s offices

Supporting Documents 

- A letter of request from the prospective employer stating reasons for the application, the position and the period of time required.

- A copy of the bio-data page of the applicant's passport.

- 2 passport-sized identical colour photographs of the applicant, with the applicant’s name printed on the reverse side.

- A police certificate of character covering 5 years residence in the Bahamas (issued not more than six months prior to the submission of the application.

- A medical certificate dated not more than 30 days prior to the submission of the application.

- Written reference(s) from previous employer(s) (no more than 2 in total).

- Copies of certificates of examinations referred to in the application form.

- Copies of applicable job vacancy advertisements in the local newspaper, with replies and results from interviews, if any.

- A certificate from the Department of Labour, with Notification of Vacancy attached, indicating that a Bahamian is not available to fill the position.

- Once the actual application has been accurately and completely submitted, applicants should contact the Inquiries Unit @ 502-0550 within a 3 to 4 week period for an update of the progress of the application. There are no deadlines for this service.

Related Fee(s) 

There is a non-refundable processing fee of BS$100.00

For more information you can contact with The Departments of Immigration of New Providence

,Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Berry Island, Eleuthera,Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua, San Salvado